Northern Vistas - 11 Days / 10 Nights

Much of the spirit of ancient Siam lives in the north where today, hill tribes still pursue their traditional lifestyles. After sampling the rich history of Bangkok, this tour takes you to Chiangmai, the artistic centre of Thailand before exploring the beautiful Golden Triangle where it borders on Laos and Burma around Chiangrai. Exceptional mountain vistas, thrilling elephant rides and insights into the lives of tribal people, make this a magical experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok

On arrival we meet and transfer you to the hotel. Balance of day is at leisure. Golden Tulip Mandison Suites (4 nights)Accommodation:Golden Tulip Mandison Suites

Day 2 Bangkok

We board a boat this morning to tour Bangkok’s busy Klongs (canals) and visit the beautiful Temple of Dawn. Disembark at the Grand Palace complex where we visit exotic Buddhist temples, many Royal buildings as well as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After lunch we will see Wat Po, the Reclining Buddha.Included Meals: BL

Day 3 Damnern Sauak-Bangkok

After a short drive from the city, hop into a long-tailed boat and travel past stilt houses to see the Damnern Saduak floating market. Relax this afternoon back in Bangkok or take an optional tour (at additional cost) to learning Thai cooking in a local home setting.Included Meals: B

Day 4 Ayuthaya-Bangkok

Enjoy a full day excursion to Ayuthaya, capital of Siam from the 14th to 18th centuries. Afterwards travel by riverboat back to Bangkok enjoying lunch on board. Included Meals: BL

Day 5 Arrive Chiangmai

After a short morning flight arrive in Chiangmai where we meet and transfer you to our hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. On optional excursion explores rural life as we visit a farming village, take a cruise on the Mae Ping River to see a local market before riding in a trishaw to see some of Chiangmai's ancient sites. Centara Duangtawan Hotel (3 nights)Accommodation:Centara Duangtawan HotelIncluded Meals: B

Days 6 & 7 Chiangmai & Area

During your stay here we take you to the 600-year old Doi Suthep temple complex with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, as well as tour the local handicraft area where you will see silk weaving, visit a parasol-making village, and watch lacquer ware and teak production. Next day we visit the Diang Dao Elephant Camp and see them enjoy their morning bath, watch how they are trained to work in the teak forests before riding one through the jungle to visit a Lisu hill tribe village. After lunch in camp we float down the Ping River on bamboo rafts (conditions permitting), passing many hill tribe villages.Included Meals: BL

Day 8 Arrive Chiangrai

This morning travel by road to Chiangrai, and later tour the main market area and many of the town’s temples and monuments including the shimmering ‘White Temple’ with its murals and paintings of Buddha. Wiang Inn Hotel (2 nights)Accommodation:Wiang Inn HotelIncluded Meals: B

Day 9 Golden Triangle-Chiangrai

Today we tour the heart of tribal and meet the Yao and Akha hilltribe people to see how they live. Stop for lunch at Mae Sai on the Thai/Burma border, before driving through the famous Golden Triangle where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet along the Mekong River. We will also see the magnificent ruins and temples near Chiang Saen before returning to Chiangrai.Included Meals: BL

Day 10 Arrive Bangkok

Today we return by air Bangkok for a final night in Thailand. The balance of the day and evening is at leisure. Tonight there is an optional dinner at the famous Seafood Market and Restaurant where we choose our own ingredients for an amazing seafood dinner. Overnight Golden Tulip Mandison Suites.Accommodation:Golden Tulip Mandison SuitesIncluded Meals: B

Day 11 Depart Bangkok

Today we transfer you the airport in time for your homebound or
onward flight.